Prices remained strong for bulls sold at the Angus Premier Show and Sale of the Year at Tullamore, yet there was a sharp downturn in the clearance rate of animals on offer.

The high standard of bulls entered was reflected in the prices paid for the top bulls sold as they exceeded 2015 prices by up to a third.

The average for bulls was €2,656 with a clearance of 41pc at a sale described as "sluggish", compared to an average price of €2,600 at the sale in 2015 where there was a 90pc clearance rate amid stronger demand.

John Farrell, president of the Irish Angus Cattle Society said that the weaker demand for bulls this year may be caused by the late spring season for farmers.

"It is becoming a late spring for farmers, the weather has been very cold and they appear to be putting off buying bulls because they are not ready and we did not have the usual number of customers for bulls," he said.

"The sheds are still full on many farms and I expect that the demand could pick up when the situation on farms improve."

The top price of €4,100 was paid for the Reserve Champion, September 2014 born, Listrolin Lord, bred and exhibited by Seamus Rohan, Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny.

The five-star bull on the terminal index, is out of Bunlahy Judy by the AI sire Mogeely Joe H979.

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Overall Male Champion of the Show was awarded to Clooncolligan Lieutenant, exhibited by Kevin Diffley from Carrick-On-Shannon and sold for the second highest price on the day of €3,900.